Mazahua People

The Mazahua people, an Indigenous group native to Mexico, primarily reside in the northwestern regions of the State of Mexico, with some presence in Michoacán and Querétaro. San Felipe del Progreso and San José del Rincón have the largest Mazahua populations, and migration has also led to Mazahua communities in Mexico City, Toluca, and Guadalajara. Approximately 116,240 Mazahua language speakers live in the State of Mexico, representing about 53% of the Indigenous language speakers in the state, according to the 2010 census.

Culture and Traditions

The Mazahua maintain distinct cultural practices, particularly seen in women's traditional dress, which includes a layered skirt known as the *chincuete*, as well as embroidered sashes and crescent earrings made from silver. Each clothing element holds symbolic significance, with intricate designs that express values, stories, and spiritual beliefs.

Mazahua rituals blend Catholicism with Indigenous beliefs, with key celebrations like the Day of the Dead, the Feast of the Cross, and the spring New Fire ceremony. Another unique ceremony, the *Xita Corpus*, honors ancient travelers and calls for abundant rains.

Language

Mazahua people refer to themselves as *Tetjo ñaa jñatjo*, meaning "those who speak their own language." Part of the Oto-Pamean language family, Mazahua is related to Otomi and other regional languages. Despite preservation efforts, fewer Mazahua children speak it as their first language, partly due to migration and integration into broader Spanish-speaking society.

Cerro de Jocotitlan

The Majestic Jocotitlán Volcano as we see it from Rancho El Oja de Aqua: A sacred peak in Mexico. Jocotitlán, or Xocotépetl, is a magnificent volcano located in the Jocotitlán and Atlacomulco municipalities in the State of Mexico. Its name, derived from the Nahuatl language, means "mountain of the sweet and sour fruits," reflecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Standing at an impressive 3,910 meters (12,828 feet) above sea level, it is the 12th highest peak in Mexico, offering breathtaking views and a rich history.
 

Geological and Natural Significance
The Jocotitlán volcano is part of the northern Toluca Valley and lies within the Eje Neovolcánico, a volcanic belt that stretches across south-central Mexico. It is a classic stratovolcano, formed by layers of tephra and solidified lava flows. This geological formation is not only a stunning natural landmark but also a crucial component of the local ecosystem. The volcano is located within the Isidro Fabela state park, a protected area established in 1975 that spans 3,701 hectares.

The park is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Jocotitlán has been a sacred site for the Mazahua and Otomi peoples for centuries. The Mazahua referred to it as Nguemore, meaning "sacred mountain," while the Otomi called it Gumidi, or "he who sits facing straight forward."

Rancho El Ojo de Agua

Casa La Media Luna
"Rancho El Ojo de Agua"
Calvario del Carmen »
San Felipe del Progreso »
Atlacomulco »
Toluca »
Estado de Mexico »
Mexico City D.F. »

Check our "resources" page for more direct links to relevant government websites and area information.

 

Solar Energy

This section discusses the total daily incident shortwave solar energy reaching the surface of the ground over a wide area, taking full account of seasonal variations in the length of the day, the elevation of the Sun above the horizon, and absorption by clouds and other atmospheric constituents. Shortwave radiation includes visible light and ultraviolet radiation.
The average daily incident shortwave solar energy experiences some seasonal variation over the course of the year.
The brighter period of the year lasts for 2.7 months, from March 9 to May 31, with an average daily incident shortwave energy per square meter above 6.9 kWh. The brightest month of the year in San Felipe del Progreso is April, with an average of 7.3 kWh.
The darker period of the year lasts for 2.8 months, from November 1 to January 25, with an average daily incident shortwave energy per square meter below 5.4 kWh. The darkest month of the year in San Felipe del Progreso is December, with an average of 5.0 kWh. 

For the purposes of this report, the geographical coordinates of San Felipe del Progreso are 19.714 deg latitude, -99.952 deg longitude, and 2,579 m elevation.
The topography within 3 kilometers of San Felipe del Progreso contains significant variations in elevation, with a maximum elevation change of 232 meters and an average elevation above sea level of 2,605 meters. Within 16 kilometers contains significant variations in elevation (701 meters). Within 80 kilometers contains large variations in elevation (3,961 meters).
The area within 3 kilometers of San Felipe del Progreso is covered by cropland (88%) and grassland (12%), within 16 kilometers by cropland (74%) and shrubs (15%), and within 80 kilometers by cropland (36%) and trees (29%).